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Jipijapa

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City
—°2
Jipijapa (Ecuador)
ℹ️

Practical info — Jipijapa

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Jipijapa is renowned for its unique style of ceviche; you must try it with peanut paste.
  • The city is a transport hub in Manabí; use it as a base to visit the coastal town of Puerto Cayo.
  • While the famous 'Panama hats' are associated with nearby Montecristi, local artisans here also work with paja toquilla.
  • The weather is generally hot and humid; dress in light clothing and stay hydrated.

🍽 Food

🍽
Ceviche de Jipijapa

Fish or shrimp ceviche uniquely prepared with peanut paste, found in local marisquerías.

🍽
Greñoso

A traditional dish made with cornmeal, peanuts, and chicken or pork, typical of the area.

🍽
Bolones de Verde

Green plantain dumplings stuffed with cheese or chicharrón, great for breakfast.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Central Market

The best place to buy fresh local coffee beans and regional Manabí sweets.

🛍
Artisan shops

Look for woven paja toquilla crafts and hats in the town center.

🧘
Parque Central

Relax under the shade of the trees facing the San Lorenzo church.

🧘
Puerto Cayo beaches

A short trip away for a truly relaxing coastal environment away from the city bustle.

Jipijapa, known as the 'Sultana del Café', is a prominent city located in the southern part of the Manabí Province in Ecuador. The city has a long history reaching back to pre-Columbian times, specifically the Manteño-Huancavilca culture. During the colonial era, it was officially founded as San Lorenzo de Jipijapa on August 10, 1565. For decades, Jipijapa was the undisputed center of Ecuadorian coffee production and export, which earned the city its prestigious nickname. Geographically, it is situated in a dry tropical forest zone characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys. Besides coffee, the region is famous for the traditional weaving of toquilla straw hats, which are globally known as Panama hats. Nearby thermal springs, such as those in Andil, are popular attractions for their supposed medicinal properties. The local gastronomy is distinct, notably featuring dishes like ceviche served with a peanut-based sauce, reflecting the unique culinary fusion of the coastal region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252524242424242425
Rain mm91161155802672113317

Geography

Population
35,901 (2024)
Coordinates
-1.33300, -80.57940

Facts

  • The city was officially founded on August 10, 1565.
  • The name is derived from the indigenous cacique Jipijapa.
  • It sits at an average elevation of 300 meters above sea level.
  • Jipijapa was the first location in Ecuador to export coffee.
  • Home to the State University of Southern Manabí (UNESUM).
  • The Sulfur Wells (Pozos de Azufre) are a renowned natural attraction nearby.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Jipijapa (2)

Monumento a la Libertad🏺 historical

Freedom monument on the main square of Jipijapa.

Monumento al Choclo🏺 historical

Monumento al Choclo, a giant corn cob sculpture in Jipijapa.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jipijapa known for?
Known as the 'Coffee Capital of Ecuador' because of its significant coffee production.
What is the most famous dish?
'Ceviche con maní' (shrimp ceviche with peanut sauce) is a unique specialty of the city.
Are there natural beauties?
The sulfur springs of Joá are a popular destination for natural healing baths.
What is the climate like?
It is warm-tropical, but often drier than other coastal areas.
When is the best time to visit?
The months from June to December are pleasant, when it's cooler and less rainy.
Jipijapa: where is it located?
Jipijapa is located in Ecuador.
Jipijapa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monumento a la Libertad, Monumento al Choclo.
Jipijapa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Jipijapa: why is it worth visiting?
Jipijapa, known as the 'Sultana del Café', is a prominent city located in the southern part of the Manabí Province in Ecuador.
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